Colorado River drying up

Arizona Central - A federal Bureau of Reclamation study says the Colorado River’s worst drought in a century will force reduced water releases from Lake Powell that could affect agriculture, downstream business and hydroelectric power production.

Groups urging conservation warned of drastic water cutbacks and severe economic implications, while state officials and the Central Arizona Project sought to downplay the alarm.

Water from Lake Powell flows through the Grand Canyon to Lake Mead, where levels are expected to drop eight feet next year, causing reduced deliveries to farms and water banks.

Based on the projections, CAP officials said shortages could trigger a 20 percent decrease in Arizona deliveries to agriculture.

However, they emphasized that water delivery to towns and cities will not be affected, and Phoenix’s Water Services Department issued an assurance to customers that there will be “no impact on the city’s water supply.” A municipal news release added, “Even if poor snowpack persists for the next two years and an actual shortage is declared ... Phoenix would be able to take all of the Central Arizona Project water it needs.”